Movie Review - “Transformers�
** 1/2 STARS
Michael Bay’s “Transformers” is a fun summer movie, but it wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for. Don’t get me wrong, I liked this film a lot. I just didn’t LOVE it like I wanted to. You see, as a product of the 80’s and as a collector of the Hasbro toy line, I had unrealistic expectations on this film. I wanted a little less comedy and a little more edge. But for what it is, a summer popcorn flick, “Transformers” delivers on the cool ass visuals and rockin’ action scenes.
Many geeks and fans of 80’s nostalgia will get a kick at the authentic touches and nods to the 80’s cartoon. Many of the personalities like that of “Star Scream”, “Bumble Bee” and “Optimus Prime” are the same as they were in the popular 80’s cartoon, they even used some of the original voices. The explanation of the origins of “Transformers” is thought out well enough in the beginning of the movie, but the rest of the flick relies on a paper thin plot to help move it along. If it weren’t for the awesome special effects and great look of the film, this movie would be pretty rotten.
I loved the performances of new comers Shia LaBeouf and Josh Duhammel. Their fresh faces and surprising acting abilities give the film a cool, young hip vibe. LaBouf is the current Hollywood “it-boy” with his recent suprise hit “Disturbia” and he is currently filming next summers BIG flick “Indiana Jones 4″ opposite Harrison Ford.
All in all, “Transformers” is a welcome addition to the Hollywood franchise universe. You can tell by the way the film ended that there are already sequels in the pipeline. I am excited to see what Michael Bay and producer Steven Spielberg have in mind for the “Transformer” universe and it’s characters. I’d love to see more “Insect-o-bots” or even the “Dino-bots” in the next film!
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